Maternity photo session in Brussels: when to do it and how to prepare?

When should you have your maternity photo session?

Around the 7th month is the starting point I suggest for organising a session.¹ We then choose the date together, taking your energy, comfort and availability into account.

You can get in touch before that stage to talk it through. Let me know how far along you are and the dates you are considering. If your partner or children will take part, also look for a time when you can all come without having to rush away afterwards.

I suggest choosing an appointment that leaves a little breathing room in your day. Allow time for the journey, parking if you are driving, and a calm arrival. If standing makes you tired or you need breaks, tell me: those are things we can plan for.

And if you discover my work later in your pregnancy, you can still contact me. We will look at the possibilities and what would suit you at that point.

What should you wear for a maternity shoot?

Start by opening your wardrobe. A dress you love, a soft shirt, a fitted top or an outfit you feel good in can already give us a direction. You do not need to buy something especially for the session.

Try your clothes on before coming, sitting down and moving a little. Look at the neckline, straps, sleeves and how the fabric falls over your belly. If you keep pulling at a garment to put it back in place, I suggest choosing another.

For colours, start with what you like and the atmosphere you have in mind. A dark shade, a light dress or a colourful fabric will each tell a different story. You can send me a photo of your options: we will look at them alongside the images you would like to create.

The session allows for 1 to 3 outfits.¹ I recommend preparing a first outfit you already feel comfortable in. Another can let us change the mood, if you would like to.

Would you like photographs fully clothed? That is absolutely possible. If you would rather show your belly, wear lingerie or explore a draped fabric, we will discuss it beforehand. You choose what you want to show. Remember to ask me what to bring for the images we have planned together.

Studio in Uccle or outdoors in Brussels?

At the studio, we can build the images around the background, the light and your gestures. The space is heated and has a private changing cubicle.¹ If you are looking for an intimate atmosphere or would like to try several outfits, it is an option to consider.

Outdoors, the setting plays a bigger part in the photograph. You might be drawn to trees, a path or light filtering through the leaves. I suggest telling me about a place you love, then looking together at practical details: access, walking distance, places to sit and how busy it gets.

In Brussels, we also need to plan around the weather. Before confirming the appointment, let us discuss how we will organise things if the conditions are unsuitable. When choosing clothes and shoes, think about getting around as well as the photographs.

If you are unsure, send me a few photographs from my portfolio that you like. They will help us choose an atmosphere and a setting that feel right for you.

Come on your own, as a couple or with your children

A maternity session can be a moment for yourself or a shared memory. With your partner, we can explore simple gestures: moving closer, resting a hand, exchanging a look. You might also want portraits on your own and photographs together during the same session.

If a child is coming with you, tell me their age and what might help them feel comfortable. I suggest explaining simply what you will be doing and, if possible, choosing a time that fits their usual routine. A small familiar object can go in your bag.

For your loved ones’ clothes, lay the outfits side by side before packing them. See whether you like the colours together. Above all, keep clothes everyone feels good in and can move in.

The package presented on my website covers 1 to 4 people photographed.¹ Let me know who will be there before booking. If you would like a larger group, let us discuss a suitable proposal by email.

How does the session work if you do not know how to pose?

You can come without preparing any poses. My role is to guide you, with simple suggestions about your position, your hands or where to look. We adjust as we go. If a gesture feels unnatural or uncomfortable, tell me.

You can also tell me what makes you less comfortable around a camera. You do not need to find the perfect words. “I would rather start fully clothed”, “I do not know what to do with my hands” or “I would like to try something very simple” are already useful pointers.

You can love the idea of having these photographs and still need a little time to feel comfortable in front of the camera.

I invite you to treat your inspiration images as a starting point. You may like an image for its light, its softness or the space it gives to a gesture. We can keep that feeling in mind and find a way to photograph it with you.

The studio session lasts 1 hour 30 minutes, including image selection on site. You choose 10 final photos, each delivered in colour or black and white according to the chosen finish.¹ So let us leave time to look at the photographs together, as well as for taking them and changing outfits.

If being in front of the camera feels particularly daunting, I also talk about it in my article “I'm not photogenic.” What if we took our time?”